Partnership for Northern Infrastructure

ADAM GILES - CHIEF MINISTER

Chief Minister Adam Giles has signed-on to create greater opportunities for growing Northern Territory infrastructure.

At the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting, leaders endorsed a decision for the Commonwealth to provide incentive payments for states and territories to privatise assets and reinvest the proceeds into new infrastructure.

“The incentive scheme is a great opportunity for the Territory to grow its assets and play a lead role in the nation’s development of Northern Australia,” Mr Giles said.

Details of the specific asset sales and investments that qualify will be negotiated between the Commonwealth and the Northern Territory.

"The infrastructure needs of the Territory and other parts of Northern Australia lag 150 years behind the rest of the country," Mr Giles said.

“We need to invest in key infrastructure to grow our community, enhance our Territory way of life and unlock the economic potential of Northern Australia.

“This national partnership recognises the crucial role of building new roads, rail and ports in driving productivity and competitiveness for the Northern Territory.

“Providing incentive payments for asset sales and harnessing new ways to build the infrastructure we need to grow Northern Australia will help unlock regional economies.”

Mr Giles also held a private meeting with the key players in Northern Australia Development on the sidelines of COAG.

“It was great to talk to the Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Queensland Premier Campbell Newman and WA Premier Colin Barnett about the opportunities for developing the North and the support we need to make this vision a reality,” Mr Giles said.

“All of us agreed that Northern Australia Development is dependent on attracting more essential workers in a range of industries that struggle to recruit enough staff with the right skills.

“I am excited to see this issue making it onto the national agenda. Northern Development is crucial to creating a prosperous future not just for Territorians, but for the entire country, and it’s encouraging to see the nation’s leaders getting on board.”

Source: ProjectLink.com.au

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